Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins recommended the City Council pass the budget at the meeting Monday.
The final budget of $12.5 million passed on both first and second readings.
The council also approved a tax rate of no higher than $2.78 for 2001 and passed the 2001 salaries of elected officials.
In other business:
• The issue of the fiber optic line Zimmer wishes to install was carried over from the Board of Works meeting Friday.
Wiggins said the city council is the only body that can determine whether there should be a fee attached to the fiber optic line.
The Board of Works gave preliminary approval for placement of the line but the council needed to decide whether a fee should be included in the agreement.
Councilwoman Trish Brown said she would be more comfortable if she were more informed about what other communities are doing in this situation.
The council tabled the issue to gather more information.
• Kim Hart's request for a sewer tap waiver for her mother Genevieve, who resides at 814 Shady Lane, was denied.
Hart's request had been tabled at the last meeting until she submitted it in writing.
Genevieve Hart had received a notice in June that she would have to pay a tap fee as of July 1. Normally people have a year's notice.
According to Hart, a septic system was installed on the property in 1990 because city sewer was not available. Hart claimed the septic system has had light use and is still in good condition. However, the property is being hooked up to the sewer line.
Hart believes this is an undue expense to her mother to be required to replace a septic system that had to be installed because city sewer was not available in 1990.
Jerry Patterson said waivers usually stem from a situation that is unique.
"I didn't see anything where this case would qualify," Patterson said.
Genevieve Hart has a year in which to pay her fee.
"This is not a cash-up-front thing," said councilman Bill Rhoades.
• The council approved Warsaw Police Department's request to transfer funds to equipment to buy a replacement vehicle.
It would cost $1,800 to replace the transmission of a 1992 Ford Taurus. The police department believes this cost is more than the vehicle is worth and it would be more economical to replace it.
The council also approved a transfer of funds for the fire department and insurance reimbursements for the Parks Department and the fire department.
• Wiggins said the city received a check for $9,431.32 from the U.S. Department of Justice. This is 80 percent of drug seizure money. The federal government gets 20 percent.
Wiggins said the money must be used for law enforcement.
Council members are: President Jerry Patterson, Joe Thallemer, Bill Rhoades, Trish Brown, George Clemens, Jeff Grose and Charlie Smith.
